This common condition can make your eyes water, your nose run, and your throat itch — but there are treatments available.

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If you're plagued with constant irritation of your eyes, throat, and nose, rhinitis could be to blame. Rhinitis is a very common condition, affecting as much as 40 percent of American children and 30 percent of adults.

Rhinitis describes the symptoms caused by inflammation and irritation of the nose. The nasal passages can become irritated when exposed to:

Allergens (mold, dander, pollen, etc.)

Cigarette smoke

Chemicals and pollutants in the air

An infection in the respiratory tract

Changes in the temperature and weather

Strong fumes or smells

When you breathe in these irritants, the tiny particles enter your nose, and the body responds by releasing a chemical called histamine. Histamine leads to irritation and inflammation, and causes the eyes, sinuses, and nasal passages to produce fluid in response.

Symptoms of Rhinitis

You probably recognize the irritating symptoms of rhinitis, especially if you have allergies — you just may not have known what it was. Common rhinitis symptoms include:

Rhinitis isn't just a a problem on its own — it can lead to additional health problems like insomnia, problems with the ears or sinuses, and even asthma.

Types of Rhinitis

There are a few different types of rhinitis, and it's important to figure out what type you have (and what's causing it) so you’ll know which treatment options are best. Here are the types of rhinitis:

Allergic rhinitis. This type of rhinitis is caused by an allergic reaction to mold, pet dander, pollen, ragweed, dust, or other common allergens. Allergic rhinitis is sometimes called hay fever and many people associate it with spring or fall — but it can happen any time of year due to indoor allergens.

Non-allergic rhinitis. Though it has the same symptoms as allergic rhinitis, non-allergic rhinitis is caused by irritating smells, smoke, and weather changes, or as a result of medication side effects. Symptoms of non-allergic rhinitis can typically be controlled by avoiding the irritants or by taking medications as directed by your doctor.

Infectious rhinitis. This type of rhinitis occurs when you have a viral infection. Symptoms generally last from three to seven days, until the infection clears up. The common cold and the flu are considered to be types of infectious rhinitis.

Some people with allergic rhinitis can have what's sometimes called perennial or chronic rhinitis. That means that they experience rhinitis symptoms all year long — no matter the season. This generally occurs because the allergens aren't seasonal but constant, and symptoms are caused by dust, dander, mold spores, or cockroaches.

Treating Rhinitis

Symptoms of rhinitis are pretty uncomfortable, and they can keep you from functioning well in your day-to-day responsibilities. There are many ways to try to manage symptoms and treat rhinitis, including:

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